Tag: Clean energy

Big Bear Valley, CA, November 19, 2013 – Property owners in the Big Bear Valley can now make their homes more energy efficient with low-cost, tax deductible financing through the HERO Program, which is the largest such program in the nation. “HERO” stands for “Home Energy Renovation Opportunity” and is offered locally in partnership with San Bernardino Associated Governments (SANBAG). More than 150,000 products are covered, and covered projects include solar thermal water heating; energy efficient space heating; window upgrades; and skylights. Approval for financing is mainly based on the amount of equity a homeowner has in their home, not on household income or credit scores. Property owners can borrow up to 15% of the property value and repay the loan over 5, 10, 15 or 20 years through an assessment on their property tax bill. Over 1,300 contractors have been approved to offer HERO Financing to their customers and gone through a comprehensive training program. And with the HERO Program available in nearly 100 California communities, it’s helped more than 5,500 homeowners, helped create 1,600 jobs and generate more than $350 million in economic stimulus. As Duane Baker, Director of Management Services of SANBAG, says, “With the HERO Program we’re making affordable financing available which allows property owners to make those upgrades they’ve been dreaming about but didn’t believe they could manage.” A virtual town hall meeting will...

Big Bear Lake, CA, June 3, 2013 — The San Bernardino Association of Governments (SANBAG) Board of Directors has voted to make the HERO Clean Energy Financing Program available to residents and businesses of San Bernardino County. HERO is the largest and most successful Property Assessed Clean Energy Program in the nation. It launched in 2011 in Riverside County, where it approved more than $185 million in eligible improvements. Now the program will soon be available to residents and businesses in 24 San Bernardino County communities, including Big Bear Lake. More than 6,000 homeowners have already been approved for HERO financing in nearby communities, and SANBAG says they have seen a significant economic impact from the program in the form of jobs, reduced carbon emissions, energy savings, and the promise of increased property values. The HERO Program enables property owners to install upgrades that save resources and lower utility bills while stimulating demand for local construction services. The program is designed, in part, to help municipalities reach state-mandated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Homeowners and businesses will be able to finance home energy and water efficiency upgrades, including installing solar panels, efficient windows and doors, and efficient heating and cooling systems, through the HERO Program. The HERO Program is a private-public partnership that requires no cost outlays by participating cities and counties. Property owners must apply and qualify to...